best road trip suv 2022

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Best 2022 SUVs for Family Summer Road Trips

Are you looking forward to a family road trip this summer? Is your old beater of a car looking a little scary in the driveway as you consider taking it hundreds of miles across the country? You might need to re-up with one of the best 2022 SUVs for family summer road trips. Ride in comfort with your whole family, even in the scorching heat .

The 2022 Ford Bronco is a perfect SUV for family summer road trips

Want to talk about being comfortable while driving in the hot summer weather? How about taking the roof off of your SUV? According to Road Show , the 2022 Ford Bronco is perfect for family summer road trips for more reasons than one. However, the best reason of all might be the removable roof. Blow the doors (and roof) off your next road trip by taking in the summer air all the way to your destination. Even a family with kids will be comfortable with all the space it provides.

Additionally, the Bronco is an excellent model for off-road driving. Depending on the road ahead, you never know when that could come in handy. Dominate mountain, desert, or snowy roads with Ford’s SUV. You’d never want to get stuck somewhere with the entire family on board. The 2022 Ford Bronco is the perfect option to take you wherever the road leads. Best of all, the price starts at just $30,800.

Take the 2022 Subaru Outback anywhere

Although it doesn’t provide the same qualities as the Bronco, it’s just as good. With loads of features, reliability, and an affordable price, the Outback is an excellent choice. Fitting all your gear and the entire family inside is surprisingly easy with its spacious interior. Additionally, the new Wilderness model allows owners to take the scenic route. Like the Bronco, nothing will stand in the way of this off-road model.

Most importantly, the 2022 Subaru Outback starts at just $37,195. Your family will love the comfortable interior with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the available power moonroof. You’ll love the water-repellant, ultra-durable interior trimmed with StarTex fabric.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

If your family requires a size larger, the Grand Cherokee L has three rows of seats. Unexpectedly, it’s highly luxurious from features to comfort. Additionally, as with most Jeep models, it doesn’t shy away from some off-road driving either. Under the hood, the Grand Cherokee L houses either a 3.6-liter V6 delivering 293 horsepower or a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 making 357 horsepower. Regardless of which you choose, both engines are capable of taking the Grand Cherokee L to new heights.

Inside, the Uconnect infotainment suite is sure to be enough to keep the family happy. A responsive, crisp touchscreen controls Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a 19-speaker 950-watt McIntosh audio system. Other amenities include navigation, Amazon Fire TV support, onboard Wi-Fi, and more. Jeeps SUV starts at $59,460 for the base model.

Minivans rule! Buy a Chrysler Pacifica for your family summer road trips

Don’t listen to the naysayers who think it’s lame to drive a minivan. Minivans are some of the most underrated vehicles on the road today. They’re versatile, fuel-efficient, and amazingly spacious. Some might argue they’re far better than most SUVs. The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is no different. That’s why it’s one of only two vehicles Chrysler still sells.

Starting at $36,245, the Pacifica is more affordable than many popular SUVs. It’s riddled with technology and comfort features to ensure your long road trip isn’t a miserable one. Best of all, the standard model averages 28 highway miles per gallon. Opt for the hybrid version, and you’ll get a whopping 82 highway MPGe. What else could you ask for to drive across the country in the heat?

Best SUVs of 2022 for family summer road trips

In conclusion, summer family road trips require a vehicle that’s spacious, comfortable, feature-filled, and sometimes even off-road capable. On our list, we’ve compiled some of the best SUVs for doing all those things. Each one of these models has tons of different trim levels and optional features to tune up your ride. If you’re getting ready to upgrade your car and go on vacation, these are the best SUVs of 2022 for family summer road trips.

All of the Best SUVs of 2022

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Tim Harding

Having spent half a decade managing the reconditioning and marketing processes for upwards of 400 vehicles monthly, Tim is no stranger to the automotive industry. He has a deep understanding of the many different types of vehicles on the road today and brings to the table valuable insight into the industry itself.

Tim earned an Associate’s in English and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a Marketing specialization from Ashford University. Tim joined MotorBiscuit as an Autos Writer in 2021, and his work can also be seen at Gamepur, Overtime Heroics, and Pro Game Guides.

Tim is most inspired by the constantly changing automotive industry. He looks forward to a future when cars, particularly electric vehicles , look and operate completely differently than they do today. Tim’s content draws on this inspiration while also providing MotorBiscuit readers with useful consumer advice.

2022 Kia Telluride: Edmunds Top Rated SUV | Edmunds Top Rated Awards 2022

Edmunds top rated suv 2022, 2022 kia telluride.

Now in its third year of production, the Kia Telluride leads the midsize SUV class thanks to its outstanding ride comfort, roomy cabin, upscale interior materials, and wealth of standard and available features. But while all of the above strengths contribute to making it a competitive vehicle, it's the value proposition that elevates the Telluride to be the Edmunds Top Rated SUV.

"The Kia Telluride provides an unbeatable combination of passenger comfort, helpful technology features and outstanding value."

Not all of the above traits are exhibited by other vehicles in this segment, but the Telluride offers them all while generally costing less than rival SUVs. That's even true for the top-spec SX model, which offers rare-for-the-class features such as customizable ambient lighting and ventilated second-row seats. Further driving home the value play is Kia's lengthy warranty. Paying less to get the best? It doesn't often happen, but it does with the Telluride.

Other highlights include third-row seating that is spacious enough for 6-foot-tall adults — an attribute shared by very few midsize crossovers — a roomy cargo area, and an infotainment system that has one of the most intuitive user interfaces on the market. For all these reasons and more, the Kia Telluride is the Edmunds Top Rated SUV for the third year in a row.

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Sell my car, car research, sign in, 6 of the best road trip cars, trucks, and suvs of 2022, if you're planning a road trip this summer, these are some of the best new vehicles for covering long distances and seeing the country..

Article QuickTakes:

• The best road trip car for the entire family
• Best road trip car for eating miles
• Here’s the best road trip vehicle for hauling and towing
• Environmentalists’ best road trip SUV

A road trip done well is a rite of passage, a great way to see the country while maintaining the freedom to explore whatever catches your eye along the way. Combine a fun itinerary with the right vehicle, and you've got a recipe for a good time over even the straightest highways.

Here are our picks for the best road trip cars, trucks, and SUVs you can buy in 2022.

The Best for the Path Less Traveled: Land Rover Defender 110

The Best for Back-Road Thrills: Lexus LC 500

Balancing a comfortable, opulent cabin with the kind of pleasing driving dynamics typically reserved for sports cars, the 2022  Lexus   LC 500 is a fantastic grand touring coupe that also provides the option of a convertible model. The LC 500 is one of the most beautifully styled autos on the market. Its eight-cylinder thrust and planted handling make it the perfect companion on road trips that eschew the dull confines of the interstate for the undulating ribbons of two-lane blacktop that connect us to our very souls.

The Best for the Entire Family: Kia Carnival

When it comes to family transportation, not much can beat a minivan, especially when it comes to filling all three rows with full-size adults. The  2022 Kia Carnival features one of the most opulent cabins in its class, with the availability of reclining middle-row seats and an upscale interior to go with its exceptional levels of interior storage and luggage space. If the entire clan is coming with you, a minivan is an ideal road-tripper, and the Carnival’s coddled cruising makes it one of the best road trip cars of 2022.

The Best for Eating Miles: Bentley Flying Spur

There are plenty of ultra-luxury sedans out there that will gracefully devour however many miles of tarmac you place in front of them. However, far fewer prioritize driver engagement as much as the 2022  Bentley Flying Spur.

Able to shift from lazy loping to focused frenzy with a kick of the right foot, the Flying Spur is the kind of car where you'll snatch the keys out of your chauffeur's hands when the roads start to get interesting.

The Best for Hauling and Towing: Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

What if you need to take the entire family with you… plus a pair of bicycles, a kayak, a bale of hay, and maybe tug a camping trailer to boot? The  2022 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel full-size pickup features a luxurious cabin plus a generous 2,300-pound payload and 12,750-lb max tow rating, making it one of the best road trip trucks of 2022. You'll also appreciate an air suspension that lowers the truck at speed, resulting in a highway fuel economy estimate as high as 33 mpg.

The Best for Road-Tripping Environmentalists: Tesla Model X

What if you wanted to cross the U.S. and not burn gasoline? Enter the  Tesla Model X midsize SUV, the largest model available from the pioneering, battery-electric carmaker. The X can seat up to seven and be driven an estimated 348 miles between charges. And thanks to Tesla's Supercharger network (with more than 35,000 chargers globally), it's also one of the most practical EVs for long-distance driving.

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Emphasizing style, luxury, and refinement, the midsize SUV is also a more pleasant drive than expected.

Most Comfortable SUVs of 2024

SUVs have come a long way in a short time, and now they're some of the most luxurious vehicles on the road. We're here to tell you how to maximize your comfort in a modern SUV, no matter what size or marque.

Stellantis |

Sit Back and Get Comfortable

Agreeable, nicely padded seats can make every commute more enjoyable, especially the longer ones. Certain features can make seats more pleasant. Heated and cooled seats are great in winter and summer months. And power adjustability works well to help you find the most suitable position.

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Also, roominess matters for you and your passengers. Spacious seating can provide enough acreage to stretch out.

We've compiled a list of the most comfortable SUVs to help you find transportation that provides pleasant support when you're running errands or driving to and from work. We've included each pick's U.S. News interior score to give you a sense of how we feel about the cabin. We've also included each model's base price so you can see if our pick suits your budget.

We've presented our selections in order based on each model's U.S. News interior score, from lowest to highest. Remember that we update the scores on our site as new expert reviews and data become available. Therefore, the scores mentioned in this slideshow may differ from those in our reviews.

Zach Doell | U.S. News & World Report

2024 Buick Enclave

$43,900 | interior score: 8.5/10.

The Enclave is a midsize SUV with three rows and seating for up to seven people. It comes standard with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel to keep you warm in chilly months. Power-adjustable front seats are standard to help you find the most comfortable position behind the wheel. Buick offers plush options that can elevate your journey, such as heated second-row seats and power-folding third-row seats.

This SUV's first two rows have lots of room. Although the third row isn't as spacious, it's still big enough to fit adults with no hassles. The Enclave's smooth ride quality enhances its comfort.

More on the 2024 Buick Enclave

• See 2024 Buick Enclave Photos  »
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• Read the 2024 Buick Enclave Full Review  »
• See Midsize SUV Rankings  »

2024 Kia Soul

$20,190 | interior score: 8.5/10.

The Kia Soul is a subcompact SUV with affordable pricing designed to favor those on tight budgets. It seats five people, and the front seats feature pleasant padding and ample room for stretching long limbs. The second-row seats are also supportive and roomy; they are big enough for adults, but taller people might want to limit their time back there to shorter trips. The Soul comes standard with manually adjustable front seats. You can upgrade to a heated front seat and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

Although this SUV has a small footprint, its upright position gives it an airy feel and lots of headroom. The suspension keeps bumps from jostling the cabin.

More on the 2024 Kia Soul

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• Read the 2024 Kia Soul Full Review  »
• See Subcompact SUV Rankings  »

Hyundai Motor America |

2024 Hyundai Palisade

$36,650 | interior score: 8.6/10.

The Hyundai Palisade sits at the top of our midsize SUV rankings. You can configure it to seat seven or eight people, so it's excellent for larger families. The first two rows are cavernous, with enough room for taller passengers to relax. The third row accommodates adults on shorter trips, but they may begin to feel the pinch on longer commutes.

Hyundai equips all Palisade SUVs with a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat and second-row power-folding seats. Options include heated and ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated second-row seats and heated third-row seats. This SUV has a gentle ride that makes short and long drives more pleasant.

More on the 2024 Hyundai Palisade

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• Read the 2024 Hyundai Palisade Full Review  »

General Motors |

2024 Chevrolet Suburban

$59,200 | Interior Score: 8.6/10 Large SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban offer incredible passenger and cargo room. The Suburban is a top pick in this class, offering seven-, eight- and nine-seat layouts. The first two rows are tall-person friendly, and the third suits adults on shorter trips. Standard power-adjustable front seats make it easy for you to find a prime position.

You can enhance this Chevy with options like heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and a heated steering wheel. The Suburban has a soft ride, especially if you add the optional magnetic ride adaptive shock absorbers.

More on the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

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• Read the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban Full Review  »
• See Large SUV Rankings  »

Volkswagen of America, Inc. |

2024 Volkswagen Taos

$23,995 | interior score: 8.6/10.

The subcompact Volkswagen Taos offers solid fuel economy and available all-wheel drive. The cabin materials could be better, but the interior scores high marks for roominess. This SUV's front row is spacious, and the rear seats have enough legroom to accommodate adults without complaints. Options include a power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats.

Although this SUV's suspension is taut, comfort isn't compromised, and the ride quality is smooth enough for jolt-free commuting. The Taos comes standard with tech features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 6.5-inch touch screen, a four-speaker stereo and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

More on the 2024 Volkswagen Taos

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2024 Hyundai Tucson

$27,500 | interior score: 8.6/10.

The Tucson won our 2024 Best Compact SUV for the Money and 2024 Best Compact SUV for Families awards. It has one of the most upscale cabins in its class, showcasing a clean design, solid build quality and many soft-touch surfaces. This five-passenger SUV has comfortable seating for adults in both rows and comes standard with manually adjustable front seats.

Options include a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. This Hyundai's gentle ride helps prevent harsh road surfaces from spoiling your commute.

More on the 2024 Hyundai Tucson

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• Read the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Full Review  »
• See Compact SUV Rankings  »

2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

$91,945 | interior score: 8.7/10.

The Grand Wagoneer proves Jeep knows how to craft luxurious transportation. It seats eight passengers with a second-row bench seat and seven with second-row captain's chairs. The palatial cabin showcases supple leather and gleaming wood, and all three rows have ample room for adults.

All models have heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with driver-side memory settings to soothe stress and work out the kinks on pressure-filled days. A heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats and reclining and power-folding second- and third-row seats are also standard.

Ventilated second-row seats are optional. All Grand Wagoneers have quad-zone automatic climate control to maintain pleasant temperatures throughout the cabin.

More on the 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

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• Read the 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Full Review  »
• See Luxury Large SUV Rankings  »

Kia Motors America |

2024 Kia Seltos

$24,490 | interior score: 8.7/10.

The Seltos is a practical and capable choice that places in the upper echelon of our subcompact SUV rankings. It seats five people in a well-built cabin, and the front row offers plenty of head- and legroom. There's less space for stretching your legs in the second row, but it's still roomy enough for adults on shorter treks. Manually adjustable front seats are standard, and you can spruce things up with options like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and heated and ventilated front seats.

Kia has tuned the suspension for firmness and engaging handling, but that doesn't result in harsh ride quality. The Seltos is comfortable on most road surfaces, although things get unsettled on the roughest pavement.

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John M. Vincent | U.S. News & World Report

2024 Kia Telluride

$36,190 | interior score: 8.7/10.

The Telluride is one of the best midsize SUVs you can buy. It won our 2024 Best 3-Row SUV for the Money award and was our 2024 Best 3-Row SUV for Families winner. You can configure this Kia to seat seven or eight passengers, and the cabin is handsome and upmarket. The first two rows offer spacious accommodations, and the third row is roomy enough for adults on abbreviated trips. Manually adjustable front seats are standard.

You can dress up the Telluride with options like power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats and a heated steering wheel. The gentle ride enhances comfort within the cabin.

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2024 Cadillac Escalade

$81,895 | interior score: 8.8/10.

Plush and potent, the Escalade holds a high position in our luxury large SUV rankings. Its cabin dazzles with premium materials and a bold design. You can configure the Escalade to seat seven or eight people, and every seat in the house offers roomy support. The standard features include heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, a heated steering wheel and power-folding second- and third-row seats.

If all that isn't enough, you can spice things up with ventilated and massaging front seats. The suspension easily dispenses with road imperfections, delivering a poised ride.

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2024 Lincoln Navigator

$82,765 | interior score: 8.8/10.

The Navigator is potent and coddling. It has one of the most deluxe cabins in the luxury large SUV class, offering outstanding build quality and premium materials. This Lincoln seats seven or eight people, depending on the layout, and all three rows offer abundant room for adults. A heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats are standard.

Options include massaging first- and second-row seats and 24- or 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The ride is gentle, and bumps and jolts are kept at bay.

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BMW of North America, LLC |

2024 BMW X1

$40,500 | interior score: 9.0/10.

The BMW X1's stylish cabin is one of the most impressive in its class. It boasts excellent build quality and upmarket materials, and the design is modern and minimalist. This five-passenger SUV is adult-friendly in both rows, although the back seats have less head- and legroom. Power-adjustable front seats are standard to help you find the best position for commuting and grocery runs.

Options include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and sport seats with added side bolstering to keep you secure in turns. Although the handling is sporty, the ride quality is comfortable.

More on the 2024 BMW X1

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• Read the 2024 BMW X1 Full Review  »
• See Luxury Subcompact SUV Rankings  »

2024 Kia Sportage

$27,190 | interior score: 9.1/10.

The Sportage is a compact SUV offering solid value. This five-passenger hauler has a high-quality cabin with impressive room for adults in both rows; the rear seats stand out for their exceptional legroom. A six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and a four-way manually adjustable seat for the front passenger are standard.

You can upgrade the Sportage with optional equipment like heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel and memory settings for the driver's seat. The ride quality is relaxed on most road surfaces.

More on the 2024 Kia Sportage

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2024 Jeep Wagoneer

$62,945 | interior score: 9.1/10.

The Wagoneer sits pretty at the top of our large SUV rankings, offering lots of standard features and a strong engine. The sumptuous cabin features high-quality materials, and you can configure this SUV to seat seven or eight passengers. The first two rows have ample room for unwinding, and the third row accommodates adults of all sizes. A heated steering wheel and 12-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats are standard.

Heated second-row seats are optional. The ride quality is comfortable, and the engine offers good fuel efficiency. Remember, though, that this Jeep is one of the most expensive picks in its class.

More on the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer

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What is the most comfortable SUV?

The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer has the highest interior rating of any SUV in our rankings.

What is the most comfortable three-row SUV?

The Jeep Wagoneer is the winner here as well.

What SUV has the roomiest second row?

The Land Rover Range Rover has the roomiest second-row seats, with up to 48 inches of legroom.

What SUV has the roomiest third row?

The Lincoln Navigator has the roomiest third row.

U.S. News and World Report |

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Although automakers’ incentives aren’t nearly as rich as they were in previous years, you’ll still want to click over to our best car deals page as part of your shopping process to see what’s being offered in terms of cash rebates, cut-rate financing or promotional lease offers.

The U.S. News Best Price Program connects shoppers who want to buy or lease a new car with local dealers. It offers a significant savings with pre-negotiated prices, home delivery and online sales options.

Most Comfortable SUVs

• 2024 Buick Enclave: $43,900 | Interior Score: 8.5/10
• 2024 Kia Soul: $20,190 | Interior Score: 8.5/10
• 2024 Hyundai Palisade: $36,650 | Interior Score: 8.6/10
• 2024 Chevrolet Suburban: $59,200 | Interior Score: 8.6/10
• 2024 Volkswagen Taos: $23,995 | Interior Score: 8.6/10
• 2024 Hyundai Tucson: $27,500 | Interior Score: 8.6/10
• 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer: $91,945 | Interior Score: 8.7/10
• 2024 Kia Seltos: $24,490 | Interior Score: 8.7/10
• 2024 Kia Telluride: $36,190 | Interior Score: 8.7/10
• 2024 Cadillac Escalade: $81,895 | Interior Score: 8.8/10
• 2024 Lincoln Navigator: $82,765 | Interior Score: 8.8/10
• 2024 BMW X1: $40,500 | Interior Score: 9.0/10
• 2024 Kia Sportage: $27,190 | Interior Score: 9.1/10
• 2024 Jeep Wagoneer: $62,945 | Interior Score: 9.1/10

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The 10 Best Road Trip Cars for Open-Road Adventures

By: Tim Huber Published: Aug 16, 2023

In 1956, the U.S. government passed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, allocating $26B to construct an initial 41,000-mile  interstate network . In response to the network’s construction, countless restaurants, motels, and roadside attractions would pop up along these now-iconic highways in order to cater to automotive travelers — ultimately kicking off a grand and long-held tradition of road tripping that’s as American as baseball or apple pie.

And while there are plenty of factors that can have an enormous impact on the overall quality of your time spent on the road — such as your starting point, ultimate destination, travel companions, and budget — the single biggest variable is undoubtedly one’s choice of ride. With the exception of a handful of  new EVs , practically every car currently in production is more than capable of taking on cross-country touring duties, however, there’s a shortlist of models that objectively lend themselves to road-tripping far better than anything else on the market. And it’s this crop of vehicles that we’ll be exploring today in this guide to the best road trip cars you can buy — delving into the most capable long-distance cars available, along with what factors and qualities make a model ideal for long-haul travel.

The Best Road Trip Cars Rundown

Best Affordable Pick

Subaru Outback

Best Retro-Inspired

Ford Bronco Sport

Best Two-Door

Abarth 124GT

Best Long-Range Pick

Volvo XC60 Recharge

Best Full-Size SUV

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Best Sport Wagon

Audi RS 6 Avant Performance

Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo

Best Grand-Tourer

BMW ALPINA B8 xDrive Gran Coupe

Best Hybrid Pick

Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid

Best Mid-Sized SUV

Aston Martin DBX707

Cross-country capabilities.

What Factors Make For An Ideal Road Trip Car?

Though there are clearly several blatant areas to explore when buying a road trip-focused car — such as range, comfort, and cargo space — there’s also a myriad of less obvious, though still massively important elements to take into consideration when shopping in this space. Below, we’ll briefly touch on seven of the most pivotal areas to think about prior to pulling the trigger on your purchase.

Range:  Though most of the world’s major highway networks are littered with gas stations and service shops, the reality is that having to exit the freeway and pull over every other hour to fill up isn’t exactly convenient, which is why a car’s range (on a single tank) is of such importance. At the very least, you’ll want a vehicle that affords several hundred miles of autonomy between trips to the pump. This area is even more important for  electric cars , as — despite there being close to ten million charging stations scattered across the planet — there are far more gas stations than EV chargers. As such, you’ll not only want to review an EV’s range, but also the charging network that’s available for said EV.

Comfort:  Being comfortable in a car is obviously important, though this factor matters far more when dealing with road trip cars, as drivers — and their passenger(s) — typically spend hours at a time inside the cabin of these vehicles. Consequently, this makes a given car’s comfortability level of extreme significance. And while there are dozens of factors that contribute to how comfortable a car is, some of the more important elements to consider are the seats, their construction and upholstery, their level of adjustability, and whether they offer heating, cooling, or massage functions. Additional areas like dual climate control and robust soundproofing can also hugely up a car’s comfortability.

Amenities:  While there’s no denying that comfort is a hugely important area when dealing with road trip cars, there are nonetheless a handful of additional features that can very much bolster one’s enjoyment during long-range drives. Alongside amenities like touchscreen infotainment setups and moon/sunroofs, there are also features like web browsers and connectivity to streaming services that can enhance the users’ experience. Likewise, most of today’s best road trip cars also pack advanced suites of electronic driver assists such as forward collision warning and avoidance systems, lane keep assist, blindspot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, just to name a few. Some brands also offer supplementary amenities, like Tesla, which sells cars equipped with features like “Caraoke,” HEPA filtration systems, and of course,  the American automaker’s  state-of-the-art autopilot system.

Storage:  The longer the road trip, the more gear the driver will typically need. As such, the amount of cargo space afforded by a particular vehicle is of utmost importance, as roomier rides will boast more internal real estate for stashing bags and equipment. And, though this is clearly a crucial area to consider when reviewing cars for road trips, it is worth pointing out that one can always supplement a car’s internal square footage with a roof rack or rooftop cargo box, though this option is obviously less convenient — and will often slightly mitigate fuel — or battery — consumption. You’ll also likely want to consider how many people the car seats, as well as how much cargo space is available for each passenger’s bags and gear. Backseat legroom is also a crucial area to consider when reviewing this element.

Reliability & Service Intervals:  The reality is that the vast  majority of new cars  are incredibly reliable and should have no issue driving cross country several times over. With that said, there are some models with better reputations when it comes to overall reliability. Additionally, if you plan to use this vehicle for extensive road-tripping, you’ll also want to look into the model’s required service intervals, as these figures can hugely vary. And, whether it’s a road trip car or a daily commuter — or even a motorcycle — it’s always worth looking into whether any recalls have been issued for a particular model.

Manufacturer & Dealer Support:  When going on a road trip, not only is it important to review how often a car needs to be serviced but also where it can be serviced, as some makes will boast a markedly more robust dealership and support network should you need a part repaired or replaced. This extends to areas like the availability of roadside assistance offered by a marque. It’s also worth pointing out that rarer and more exotic models will make for a much more difficult time sourcing replacement parts – as it’s not that hard to find a replacement component for a BMW car just about anywhere in the country, though the same can’t be said for models from brands like Bentley or Aston Martin.

Drivetrain & Performance:  Unlike commuting where the main objective is simply to get from A to B, long-range road-tripping is all about enjoying the journey and embracing the open road. As such, having a car that affords a more spirited driving experience makes for a markedly more enjoyable time behind the wheel, which is why reviewing a model’s engine is so important. Alongside the engine configuration itself, you’ll also want to check out its  aspiration type  and displacement — as well as horsepower and torque figures, 0-60mph times, and top speeds. A car’s suspension package is another crucial area to consider, as it will directly impact a model’s overall handling, as well as the smoothness of the ride. Quite a few cars also offer the best of both worlds with adjustable air ride suspension setups that can be lowered for spirited runs through the canyons, or raised back up for ultra-smooth and plush freeway travel.

Long-Haul Legends

The Best Road Trip Cars Currently On The Market

Now that you’re up to speed on what areas to take into consideration when shopping, let’s get into our picks for the finest and most well-appointed new road trip cars that are currently available on showroom floors.

• An affordably-priced, rugged and spacious wagon with raised roof rails, 8.7” of ground clearance, & Subaru’s Starlink multimedia package all as standard.

Best Affordable Pick: One of the most versatile vehicles currently on the market, the latest generation Subaru Outback is a fantastic road trip car with seating for five, more than 75 cubic feet of cargo space, and an optional turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine. With features like 9.5” of ground clearance and asymmetrical all-wheel drive as standard, the Outback is also capable of some light  off-roading duties . 

Engine:  Turbocharged 2.4L Boxer Four or NA 2.5L Boxer Four Power:  260HP & 277FT-LBs or 182HP & 176FT-LBs Cargo Space:  75.7 Cubic feet Range:  600+ Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $28,895

• A road-focused variant of Ford’s revived retro-inspired SUV that still packs Hoss suspension & cutting-edge electronics.

Best Retro-Inspired: One of the most anticipated new models from the last decade, Ford’s revived Bronco platform is a 4×4 vehicle that comes with more than 65 cubic feet of cargo space, an advanced electronics package, Hoss suspension, and nearly 9” of ground clearance. Sold in a variety of trim levels, the Sport-spec Bronco was also intentionally designed to be as modular as possible — an area furthered by the absolutely enormous range of factory accessories offered for  the American SUV . 

Engine:  Turbocharged 1.5L Inline-Three or Turbocharged 2.0L Inline Four Power:  181HP & 190FT-LBs or 250HP & 277FT-LBs Cargo Space:  65.2 Cubic Feet Range:  416 Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $31,230

• An Abarth-specFiat 124 Spyder with a Garrett turbo, Bilstein shocks, & Brembo brakes all as standard.

Best Two-Door: Sharing its platform with the Mazda Miata, the Fiat 124 Spyder is the  definition of a true driver’s car , standing as a peppy open-top roaster that can be had for a reasonable price. For those less concerned with cost, the company also makes the Abarth 124GT — a limited-edition variant with a Garrett Turbocharged engine, a dedicated sport mode, Bilstein shocks, Brembo brakes, 17” alloy wheels, special race seats, and a GT-specific slate gray livery. Sadly, the GT-spec isn’t offered on American shores, unlike the base model 124. 

Engine:  Turbocharged 1.5L Inline-Four Power:  170HP & 184.4FT-LBs Cargo Space:  4.94 Cubic Feet Range:  535 Miles Seats:  2 MSRP: $44,085

• A luxurious Swedish-made hybrid mid-sized SUV with a more than 500-mile range per tank.

Best Long-Range Pick: A plug-in hybrid version of Volvo’s mid-sized SUV, the XC60 Recharge is a wildly-advanced vehicle that boasts features like best-in-class navigation, an optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system, a built-in Google smart assistant, and a state-of-the-art onboard air filter. Equipped with an all-wheel-drive setup, the five-seater’s turbocharged 2.0-liter hybrid inline-four generates more than 450hp and 523ft-lbs of torque, allowing for a machine that’s equal parts comfortable and exhilarating. 

Engine:  Turbocharged 2.0L Hybrid Inline-Four Power:  455HP & 523FT-LBs Cargo Space:  63.3 Cubic Feet Range:  520 Miles (or 32 Battery Only) Seats:  5 MSRP: $57,900

• A revived take on Jeep’s legendary full-sized luxury SUV that sports a 6.4L V8, an AWD system, & over 116 cubic feet of storage space.

Best Full-Size SUV: First unveiled in March of last year, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a  revived full-size SUV  that, like the original model, offers the pinnacle of comfort and class. Returning after 30 years out of production, the Grand Wagoneer comes with quilted Palermo leather seats, a 6.4L V8 mated to one of three AWD systems, over 116 cubic feet of storage and cargo space, a 10,000lb towing capacity, and an ultra-top shelf McIntosh MX950 Entertainment System — all as standard fare. 

Engine:  6.4L V8 Power:  470HP & 455FT-LBs Cargo Space:  116.7 Cubic Feet Range:  477 Miles Seats:  7 MSRP: $91,140

• An ultra-potent family-hauler & grocery getter with a 621-hp bi-turbo V8 offering 3.3-second 0-60 runs and a 190-mph top speed.

Best Sport Wagon: The Audi RS 6 Avant is an ultra-high-performance sleeper that’s conducive to everything from track days to family-hauling duties to road trips. Alongside RS-spec components and wheels, this highly up-specced model comes adorned in a slammed stance with a full aero kit, a carbon trim package, nearly 60 cubic feet of cargo space, and, most importantly, a 621-hp 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 that enables this  elite sport wagon  to achieve a 3.3-second 0-60mph time and a top speed of 190mph. 

Engine:  Twin-Turbocharged 4.0L V8 Power:  621HP & 627FT-LBs Cargo Space:  59.3 Cubic Feet Range:  425 Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $125,800

• A streamlined, 911-inspired shooting brake-style version of Porsche’s mighty new fully-electric four-door.

Best EV: Marking the Stuttgart firm’s first-ever all-electric offering, the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo is unequivocally one of the very best road trip cars currently in production. It offers an incredibly smooth ride, an impressive 300-mile range, and a decent amount of cargo space thanks to the extended sport back. Thanks to an ultra-potent 440kW EV powertrain setup and Overboost power with a launch control function, the GTS Sport Turismo-spec Taycan can reach 60mph from a standstill in 3.5 seconds flat. 

Engine:  Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors Power:  440kW (590HP) & 626FT-LBs Cargo Space:  42.8 Cubic Feet Range:  313 Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $141,200

• A 612-hp ALPINA-tuned & upgraded grand touring car based on BMW’s already luxurious & thoroughly-capable 8 Series.

Best Grand-Tourer: While to the average observer, this road trip car may just look like a BMW 8 Series, those in the know are well aware of the ultra-top-shelf exotics offered by  famed tuning outfit  ALPINA. This high-end grand tourer’s ALPINA transformation includes 21″ ALPINA wheels, ALPINA 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, an ALPINA Aerodynamic Kit, an ALPINA Sport suspension package with twin-tube gas-pressure shocks, double-wishbone multi-link aluminum suspension in front, and an integral-V multi-link aluminum setup in the rear, and an interior with ALPINA Lavalina leather steering wheel, engraved glass controls, and a unique digital instrument cluster. Finally, at the heart of this car is a 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 that’s been tuned by ALPINA to produce 612hp and 590ft-lbs of torque. 

Engine:  Twin-Turbocharged 4.4L V8 Power:  612HP & 590FT-LBs Cargo Space:  15.5 Cubic Feet (Trunk Only) Range:  432 Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $149,300

• A hybrid-boosted bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8-powered version of Bentley’s normally V12-powered flagship model that retains its world-class luxury.

Best Hybrid Pick: The Bentley Flying Spur has long been one of the most luxurious and well-optioned cars on the market, making it an objectively fantastic choice for road-tripping — assuming you can swing its fairly exorbitant MSRP. However, last summer, the famed British firm rolled out a new version of the car that sees its usual V12 and V8 engine options swapped out in favor of a hybrid-boosted bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that makes 542hp and 568ft-lbs of torque and allows for a top speed of 177mph and a 0-60mph time of just 4.1-seconds. This  hybrid luxury car  also offers a range of 435 miles — or an all-electric range of 25 miles, if you want to go green for a portion of your trip. 

Engine:  Twin-Turbocharged 2.9L Hybrid V6 Power:  542HP & 568FT-LBs Cargo Space:  12.4 Cubic Feet (Trunk Only) Range:  435 Miles (or 25 Miles Battery Only) Seats:  5 MSRP: $210,600

• A 707-hp mid-sized SUV boasting genuine supercar-grade performance with a 193-mph top speed & a 3.3-second 0-60 time.

Best Mid-Sized SUV: First unveiled in early February of 2022, the Aston Martin DBX707 represents the world’s  most powerful luxury SUV . Taking its name from its 707-hp output, the DBX707 is another ultra-high-end vehicle that boasts a unique mix of world-class comfort and performance. Alongside a 360-mile range and a decent amount of cargo space, the DBX707 also packs a 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine that’s mated to a 9-speed “wet clutch” automatic transmission and allows for 3.3 seconds 0-60mph runs and an impressive top speed of 193mph — a fairly insane figure considering this is an SUV. 

Engine:  Twin-Turbocharged 4.0L V8 Power:  707HP & 664FT-LBs Cargo Space:  54 Cubic Feet Range:  360 Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $236,000

The Best SUVs for Camping

Want to check out an additional selection of vehicles that are great for recreational use? Then be sure to cruise over to our guide to the best SUVs for camping for the most comfortable and well-appointed rolling base camp options.

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We ranked 34 brands based on the Overall Scores of their models, which include road tests, reliability, satisfaction, and safety

Our annual rankings of 34 automakers can steer you in the right direction when making a new-car purchase. These rankings are based on the average Overall Score, a combination of our road-test scores, predicted reliability and owner satisfaction data, and safety for all of the models from each automaker. 

The top two brands this year are the same ones as 2023, with BMW leading the pack with an 82 point score, followed by Subaru —the leading mainstream brand—at 80. The key for both companies is their consistent combination of high road-test scores and very good predicted reliability. Porsche takes the third position with a score of 80. Both Porsche and Cadillac moved up 10 positions this year due to their improved reliability. 

Keep in mind that even high-scoring brands can have some lower-performing models, so be sure to check the ratings (see page 36) for the autos you’re interested in. This is especially true for bigger brands like Ford and Toyota, which have some models that performed far better than others in our tests. 

Of the 34 brands CR ranked this year, we’re recommending every model tested from seven: BMW , Porsche , Honda , Mini , Kia , Mazda , and Acura . Simply put: You can buy any tested model from those companies with confidence. (There are nine brands that don’t have a single model recommended by CR, including Dodge , Maserati , Alfa Romeo , Mercedes-Benz , Rivian , GMC , Jaguar , Land Rover , and Jeep . Consider carefully when buying one of those.)

To be included in the brand ranking, CR has to have tested at least two current models from a company. We’ve tested only one model from Lucid , Polestar , and Ram , so they aren’t included this year.

In the interactive chart below, you can see the full brand ranking, or you can see how the brands look when split into Mainstream and Luxury groups, which may better reflect how you shop. These distinctions are made at the brand level, of course, reflecting how the cars are positioned in the market, rather than the attributes of individual cars. The Overall Scores are calculated in the same manner and are comparable.

How We Rank the Car Brands

The Overall Score for individual models is based on four key factors: the road test, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.

For the road-test score , we put vehicles through more than 50 tests.

Predicted reliability ratings are based on problems reported by members from 20 possible trouble areas in CR’s Annual Auto Surveys.

Owner satisfaction predictions are based on whether CR members said in our surveys that they’d buy the same vehicle again if given the chance.

Safety includes an assessment of any available crash-test results and extra points assigned to vehicles that come standard with key crash-prevention systems. 

Green Choices reflect how many of a brand’s CR-tested vehicles earned the designation for being in the top 20 percent of vehicles with the cleanest emissions, according to the EPA.

Learn more about how Consumer Reports tests cars .

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the April 2024 issue of Consumer Reports magazine .

Jeff S. Bartlett

Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSBartlett .

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What are the safest cars for teen drivers?

May 22, 2024, 6:38 PM

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There are so many things to consider when it comes to picking a new car: reliability, price, appearance and, of course, safety.

That last one might be of particular importance when choosing a car for your teen driver, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports is out with a new list of the safest options for teens who’ve only recently gotten behind the wheel.

IIHS Research Scientist Becca Weast joined WTOP’s John Aaron and Michelle Basch to talk about it.

The transcript below has been lightly edited for clarity.

John Aaron: First off, what exactly makes a good car for a teen in your view?

Becca Weast: So it’s really pretty straightforward. We like to recommend things that are slightly bigger and slightly heavier that have lower horsepower. Basically, teens are often killed in speeding-related crashes. So we want them to not be able to go as fast as quickly. So things that don’t accelerate very fast. And then they also have to have high crash test ratings. And Consumer Reports also includes a bunch of reliability factors so that kids aren’t getting stranded on the side of the road.

Michelle Basch: Well, surprisingly, some of these picks this time around are very affordable. Tell us about some of the cheaper options.

Becca Weast: So some of the cheaper options are going to be on the good list for used cars. So our used cars can go as low as, you know, just under $6,000 and are capped at $15,000. And they tend to be like the things that are maybe like 9-10 years old, but they’re still really, really, highly crashworthy and they’re very well equipped. And all of them have electronic stability control, and they’re going to keep your kids safe. So like things that are small mid-size cars are gonna like fall into that $10,000 limit.

John Aaron: Yeah, older Mazda 3s, Honda Civics, Toyota Prius, things like that. Can you give us examples of some of the top picks among new cars for teens?

Becca Weast: So the new cars are everything that comes out with a Top Safety Pick+. They score really well on four of our crash tests. And it’s a relatively small list because the price limit is $40,000 and new cars as we know are pretty expensive. But you’ll see things like most Mazda models — CX-5, CX-50s, CX-30s, CX-90s, a handful of Lexuses, brands that like will look familiar, like we got some Toyota, some Honda, some Subaru, things that have high recognition for safety.

John Aaron: I thought for a teen driver, you were supposed to give them an old Volvo station wagon or like a 2004 Taurus or something like that. Why can’t we just do that?

Becca Weast: There are a bunch of Volvos on the used list, actually, if you’re looking for one.

John Aaron: I’m talking about like a 1980s, boxy 240 or something like that.

Becca Weast: I mean, those cars were like bricks, but things have advanced quite a bit now. So we have better ways to keep teens safe. The stuff that’s come out in the last 10 years, they all have electronic stability control. So kids are gonna be able to keep control of them in case something goes wrong. They’re all really crashworthy. They all have like the entire suite of air bags. And some of the ones on our used list, all the best ones on our used list, also have front crash prevention standard, which is the first time that we’ve been able to do that, like this filtering through the used car list so that like the car can actually help mitigate some front end crashes, which is big.

John Aaron: Absolutely. And I’ll point out that you don’t have to be a teen to drive these cars, these would make a great car for anyone who wants to be safe.

Becca Weast: Yeah, I actually really like to recommend this list for families that have younger kids because often families hand down a family vehicle to their kid and then the parents get a new car. So if you’ve got a kid that’s like 5 to 10 years old, and you’re looking for a car, and you’ve got maybe a little more to spend, our new list is excellent, because that car is gonna be in great shape, and it’s super, super safe. So when your kid starts driving, you’ll have something great that they’re familiar with that you can hand down to them.

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